The UK's most complete GLP-1 guide
Every Question Answered. Every Side Effect Explained.
- How GLP-1 medications work
- Mounjaro vs Wegovy compared
- Injection instructions
- Side effects & solutions
- What to eat on treatment
- FAQs answered
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How To Get The Golden Dose Mounjaro In The UK
The "golden dose" of Mounjaro refers to the 15mg maintenance dose—the maximum recommended dose of tirzepatide. However, the right dose for you depends on your individual health, BMI, and response to treatment. In the UK, Mounjaro is prescription-only and accessed through NHS specialist weight management services (tier 3) or private prescribing following a clinical assessment. This guide explains the dose pathway, NHS eligibility criteria under NICE guidance, and how the dose titration process works.
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Enter your height and weight below. Supports both imperial (stone & lbs) and metric (kg). Results include NHS category, healthy weight range, and ethnicity adjustments.
What Is BMI and Why Does It Matter?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is the most widely used screening tool for assessing whether your weight falls within a healthy range. Used by the NHS, GPs, and weight management services across the UK, BMI provides a quick snapshot of your weight relative to your height. The formula is simple: your weight in kilograms divided by your height in metres squared (kg/m²).
While BMI isn't a perfect measure — it doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or fat distribution — it remains the standard first step in identifying potential weight-related health risks including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.
The NHS also recommends adjusted thresholds for people of South Asian, Chinese, or Black African heritage — a BMI of 23 or above is classified as overweight, and 27.5 as obese. Our calculator includes this adjustment as a one-click toggle.
NHS Access To Mounjaro And Dose Escalation
NHS eligibility for Mounjaro (tirzepatide) in the UK: You may qualify if you have a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or a BMI of 27–29.9 kg/m² with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease. For adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the NHS recommends lower BMI thresholds (from 27.5 kg/m²).
Mounjaro is typically prescribed through tier 3 specialist weight management services via NHS referral from your GP. NICE has approved tirzepatide for use within these services, though regional availability varies significantly. Doses start at 2.5mg weekly and escalate every 4 weeks: 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, and finally 15mg. The 15mg dose—the "golden dose"—is achieved around week 21 if tolerated. Most people reach an effective maintenance dose before reaching 15mg, and your prescriber will assess what works best for you.
- Starting dose: 2.5mg (weeks 1–4)
- Escalation to 15mg takes approximately 20 weeks minimum
- Individual tolerance determines optimal maintenance dose
- Clinical trials showed average 15–clinically studied weight loss on Mounjaro
Clinically BackedWeight Loss
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How It Works
Three simple steps to understand your weight and take action.
Enter your height and weight in our free calculator. Get your BMI, NHS category, healthy weight range, and ethnicity-adjusted thresholds instantly.
If your BMI suggests you're overweight or obese, explore our GLP-1 calculators to project potential weight loss on Mounjaro or Wegovy.
Use our progress tracker to log your weight weekly, visualise your journey with charts, and stay motivated — all stored privately in your browser.
Free Weight Loss Tools & Guides
Everything you need to understand your weight, explore medication options, and track your progress — completely free.
NHS Vs Private Route For Mounjaro Access
NHS route: Referral to a tier 3 weight management service, assessment by a multidisciplinary team, and prescription from an NHS specialist. This is free but can involve waiting lists of several months to years depending on your region (ICB). NICE guidance supports access, but regional implementation is inconsistent.
Private route: Online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, prescription issued if clinically appropriate, dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Available without NHS referral, typically faster, but costs approximately £129–£320/month depending on dose. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you estimate potential weight loss trajectories at different Mounjaro doses. Check your BMI using our free BMI calculator to confirm eligibility criteria before approaching your GP or a private prescriber.
Both routes require a clinical assessment—Mounjaro is not available over-the-counter. Your prescriber will review your medical history, current medications, and suitability. Side effects are common initially (nausea, diarrhoea, constipation) but often settle as your body adapts. The "golden dose" of 15mg is the maximum, but many people achieve excellent results at 10mg or 12.5mg with fewer side effects. Weight loss is most effective when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Individual results vary significantly—clinical trials showed averages, but your personal outcome depends on factors including baseline weight, adherence, diet, and exercise.
- Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Up to 22.5% body weight loss (SURMOUNT-1)
- Weekly injection, dose escalation over 20+ weeks
- Available via private prescription in the UK
- Doses: 2.5mg → 5mg → 7.5mg → 10mg → 12.5mg → 15mg
- GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Up to 15–17% body weight loss (STEP trials)
- Weekly injection, 5-step dose escalation
- NHS & private prescription available
- Doses: 0.25mg → 0.5mg → 1mg → 1.7mg → 2.4mg
Mounjaro vs Wegovy: Head-to-Head
A side-by-side comparison of the two most popular GLP-1 weight loss medications available in the UK.
| Feature | Mounjaro | Wegovy |
|---|---|---|
| Drug class | Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist | GLP-1 agonist |
| Active ingredient | Tirzepatide | Semaglutide |
| Avg. weight loss | 15–22.5% | 12–17% |
| Key trial | SURMOUNT-1 (2022) | STEP 1 (2021) |
| Max dose | 15 mg weekly | 2.4 mg weekly |
| Escalation period | 20–32 weeks | 16–20 weeks |
| Administration | Weekly injection (pen) | Weekly injection (pen) |
| NHS availability | Private prescription only | NHS & private |
| Approx. private cost | £150–£250/month | £150–£300/month |
| Common side effects | Nausea, diarrhoea, constipation | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea |
Data sourced from SURMOUNT-1 and STEP 1 clinical trials. Costs are approximate and vary by provider. Always consult a prescriber.
Am I Eligible for Weight Loss Medication?
In the UK, eligibility for GLP-1 weight loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy is based on your BMI and overall health profile.
- BMI of 30 or above (obese)
- Age 18 or over
- No contraindicated conditions
- Committed to lifestyle changes
- BMI of 27 or above
- Plus type 2 diabetes
- Or high blood pressure
- Or obstructive sleep apnoea
Use our BMI calculator to check whether your BMI falls within the eligible range.
How We Built These Tools
Every calculator and guide on myweightcheck is built with accuracy and transparency in mind. Our BMI calculator uses the standard WHO formula with NHS-aligned category thresholds. Our GLP-1 projections are modelled on published clinical trial data from SURMOUNT and STEP studies.
All data stays on your device. We don't require sign-ups, and we don't store your health information on any server. Your progress tracker saves data locally in your browser using localStorage, so only you can see it.
We're based in the UK and our tools are designed specifically for UK users — supporting stone & lbs by default, referencing NHS guidelines, using NICE-approved medication data, and linking to GPhC-registered pharmacies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about BMI, weight loss medications, and our free UK tools.
What is the "golden dose" of Mounjaro?
The golden dose refers to the 15mg weekly maintenance dose—the highest approved dose of tirzepatide (Mounjaro). However, the optimal dose for you depends on your individual tolerance and response. Many people achieve significant weight loss at lower doses (10–12.5mg) with fewer side effects. Your prescriber will determine the right dose for your health profile.
How long does it take to reach the 15mg dose of Mounjaro?
Reaching 15mg takes a minimum of approximately 20 weeks if you escalate every 4 weeks without pausing. You start at 2.5mg and increase through 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, and finally 15mg. However, you don't need to reach 15mg—many people stop escalating once they find an effective dose that they tolerate well.
Am I eligible for Mounjaro on the NHS in the UK?
You may be eligible if you have a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or 27–29.9 kg/m² with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease). Lower BMI thresholds apply if you're of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage. Eligibility is assessed by a tier 3 specialist weight management service following a GP referral.
What's the difference between NHS and private Mounjaro access in the UK?
NHS access is free via a GP referral to a tier 3 weight management service but may involve long waiting lists and regional variation. Private access is through a licensed prescriber and GPhC-registered pharmacy, typically faster but costs £129–£320/month per dose. Both require a clinical assessment before prescription.
Does Mounjaro vs Wegovy matter for reaching the golden dose?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are different medications with different mechanisms. Mounjaro is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist with a maximum 15mg dose, whilst Wegovy is a GLP-1-only agonist with a 2.4mg maximum. Clinical trials showed Mounjaro produced slightly higher average weight loss, but individual results vary. Your prescriber will recommend the most appropriate medication for you.
Ready to take control of your weight loss journey?
Start with a free BMI check, explore your GLP-1 options, or begin tracking your progress today. No sign-up. No cost. Just results.